An Expeditionary Voyage to Wallis & Futuna

Description

This December, Coral Adventurer will cast off from Cairns for an inaugural expeditionary voyage to the remote islands of Wallis and Futuna, located 2,000 nautical miles into the South Pacific. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Samoan traders, pioneering European explorers and 19th century French missionaries. Sample a kava drink, visit a traditional thatched fale house and marvel at imposing Catholic Cathedrals. Celebrate the New Year at sea then onwards to Niue, one of the world’s largest coral atolls. Cross the International Date Line and reset your watch by 23 hours before disembarking in Auckland. With an expert Expedition Team and warm Australian hospitality onboard, Coral Expeditions invites intrepid explorers on this voyage of discovery to faraway lands.

Trip Name

An Expeditionary Voyage to Wallis & Futuna

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2019 Designed and built to be the most modern tropical expedition ship afloat, Coral Adventurer debuted in April 2019. She features comfortable Australian interiors, Xplorer tender mechanism, intimate guest experience, and personalized service. EXPEDITION CAPABILITIES > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers for shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge with multimedia for daily expedition briefings and presentations > Small on-board Library > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems MARINE IMMERSION > Navigator lounge in the bridge giving a vantage point of ship operations > Over 1000 sq m of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and high level of crew interaction with guests > Barralong Room for hosting scientific research or exhibitions FOOD AND WINE FEATURES > Communal ‘wine table’ > Galley viewing window > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the Vista Deck > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds. GUEST COMFORT > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony > Active stabilisers > Gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS

Board Coral Adventurer at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure from a Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. Settle into your stateroom, meet the crew, attend the mandatory safety drill and mingle with fellow travelers at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Day 2 - DAYS 2 – 21:

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we may visit. Throughout the expedition, the Master and Expedition Team will make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expedition experience. Allowances may be made for weather, tidal conditions, cloud coverage and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. As this is a true expeditionary style voyage, there may be substantive changes made to the itinerary throughout the journey. Your expedition includes numerous days at sea. Relax on the deck to enjoy the vast space of wide-open skies and seas with only seabirds and marine life to keep you company. Join in meaningful conversation with onboard experts and likeminded explorers. Participate in onboard activities and engage with educational presentations from Guest Lecturers.

Day 3 - WALLIS ISLAND

Explore the rarely visited islands of Wallis, home to vibrant Polynesian culture and remarkable historic and archaeological sites set against a pristine natural backdrop. This secluded tropical paradise features a pristine lagoon dotted with 13 uninhabited islets.It is believed that the islands’ civilisation was of Austronesian origin due to archaeological excavation discoveries dating back to 1400 B.C. It is understood that, during the 15th century, settlements from Tonga arrived at the island and the legendary battles of the Tu’i Tongan warriors took place. Later, in 1767, Captain Samuel Wallis’ visit aboard HMS Dolphin marked the European discovery of Wallis – and earned the island its name. It wasn’t until the 1820s that contact with Europeans began taking place on the island.

Day 4 - FUTUNA ISLAND

Futuna boasts a stunning natural scenery characterised by the many rivers that flow through the island’s mountainous terrain. Terraces of cultivated taro crops along the outskirts provide an incredible vantage point to view the island’s beauty. A rich religious history is evident by the large number of cathedrals and the population’s continued devout Catholic beliefs.It is generally thought that the Samoans, alongside the Tongans and Marshallese Islanders, were among the first to settle here. First records of European contact trace back to 1616 when Willem Cornelius can Schouten and Jacob le Maire discovered the island. Learn about the fascinating site of the cannibal oven at Lafua and the impressive Poi Basilica, commemorative of Oceania’s only revered martyr, Peter Chanel.

Day 5 - NIUE

One of the world’s largest coral islands, Niue is commonly referred to as ‘the rock’. Comprised of towering limestone cliffs and flat coastal terrace surrounded by spectacular coral reef, it is possible to explore the island by swimming, snorkelling and discovering the limestone caves throughout the island. Learn of the rich cultural history of the island, home to Polynesians from Samoa and settlements from Tonga in the 16th century followed by James Cook’s discovery and attempted landings in 1774. After being refused entry three times, Cook named the island ‘Savage Island’ because, as legend has it, the natives he encountered were painted in what was assumed to be blood.

Day 6 - LUGANVILLE – ESPIRITU SANTO | VANUATU

Luganville, the second largest city in Vanuatu, has an extensive wartime history having been a major base of operations for American troops during World War II. The island is notably home to the largest, and one of the most popular, underwater shipwrecks in the world. Sunk by US mines in late 1942, the luxury steamer wreck of SS President Coolidge measures almost 200 metres long. Below the water, the island also boasts the popular snorkelling site ‘Million Dollar Point’ where visitors can sight millions of dollars’ worth of sunken US army goods.

Day 7 - PENTECOST ISLAND | VANUATU

This island, covered in lush mountainous terrain, is famously the birthplace of the extreme sport of bungee jumping. Originating from an ancient ritual called Gol (land diving), it was once believed the 20-30m plunge performed by men ensured a good yam harvest. Nowadays the ritual is used to signify the beginning of manhood.Today we will cruise past Tanna Island, home to the active volcano, Mount Yasur. Look on at the remarkable sight of the volcano billowing with ominous clouds from the safe vantage point of the deck of our expedition ship.

Day 8 - DAY 22: AUCKLAND

Our journey comes to an end as we arrive at Queens Wharf in Auckland at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or airport are available.

Day 9 - Please Note:

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Be one of few to set foot on the remote islands of Wallis and Futuna
Learn about the varied cultural influences and traditions of these remote island communities
Enjoy the solitude and freedom of a true blue-water voyage in the company of our Expedition Team, lecturers and like-minded explorers
Witness ancient cultural traditions at Pentecost Island
Enjoy onboard festivities for a memorable Christmas and New Year at sea
Roll back your watch by 23 hours as we cross the International Date Line
Step ashore on the remote atoll of Niue, one of the largest coral atolls in the world
Disembark in Auckland and bask in the Kiwi summer before flying back home